Asaph speaks out on being snubbed for Bulawayo Arts Awards nomination

BULAWAYO – The Bulawayo Arts Awards are back after they were paused last year due to ‘limited representation across certain artistic genres,’ according to organizers.

The awards are back, but not everyone is happy with the way they have been organised this year, as a few concerns have been raised by one prominent artist in the city, Asaph, who did not receive a nomination.

Trying to run away from direct criticism of the BAA’s Asaph, real Tafadzwa Tarukwana says he believes there isn’t proper representation of the Hip Hop category, as there has been a non-hip hop artist being nominated in the Hip Hop Category.

The Ndini Mambo hit maker expressed his emotions on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “There’s an artist nominated under the Hip Hop category who isn’t actually a Hip Hop artist. This raises an important question about the selection criteria.

“Maybe the board has its reasons, but it’s highly unlikely that artist even submitted their work under the Hip Hop category.”

He, however, said he wasn’t bitter about the nomination snub, as it paved the way for other upcoming artists.

In an interview with Nehanda Radio, the three-time Roil BAA Outstanding Hip Hop Artist winner said;

“I know I probably didn’t put out as much music, but I’ve been working off the mic with the Artist development program KWELA INITIATIVE and other brands I partner with for campaigns.”

Asaph said he doesn’t feel ignored, but a little appreciation would have been good since he is making moves that should earn him a nomination for being the Best Male artist.

“Though I’m making the moves a BEST MALE should be making and even more, but I’ve never even been nominated for best male lol but I’ll keep doing my work and I’m also on Skyz Metro playing local and profiling local hip hop acts,” Asaph told Nehanda Radio.

The awards will be held on the 8th of November at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Hall 8.

A number of categories have been renamed to honour local icons who passed away this year and last year.

The Outstanding Radio DJ category has been named “Babongile Sikhonjwa” Outstanding Radio Dj. Outstanding Literary Work will be announced as “Pathisa Nyathi” Outstanding Literary Work.

The Outstanding Poet category has been named after late lawmaker and poet Desire Moyo; it becomes “Moyoxide” Outstanding Poet.